Christiansfeld: History, Routes and Townscape

Christiansfeld Between Town History and Routes

Christiansfeld was founded in 1773 as a planned settlement of the Moravian Church. The town is considered the best-preserved example of a Northern European settlement of the Moravian Church, built around a central church square. The deliberate layout around this square gives exploration a clear spatial structure.

Along straight, densely planted streets, uniform yellow brick houses with large red tile roofs shape the townscape. In the center of Christiansfeld stands Salshuset Church. It is Denmark’s largest church interior without supporting columns.

History in the Urban Landscape

The history of Christiansfeld and the Moravian Church is presented at Søstrehuset. The building is located 250 meters from Christiansfeld bus station. At the west gable, there is access via a ramp and a lift, through which the entire building can be reached.

Admission to the exhibitions at Søstrehuset includes the digitally guided tour “Genforeningen i 1920”. Using the Vizgu app, it takes you to notable places in Christiansfeld and conveys the history of the reunification. You can also take part in a historical guided tour through the streets of Christiansfeld.

Comeniushaven is a public demonstration garden in Christiansfeld, established in 2015. It serves as a place for recreation and provides information about the original gardens. Gudsageren is the cemetery of the Moravian Church in Christiansfeld. Since its inauguration in 1774, no grave has been removed. Women are buried on the right in the east and men on the left in the west.

Routes into the Surrounding Area

In the vicinity of Christiansfeld lies Christinero, a protected estate southwest of the town that was established at the end of the 18th century. Christines Sti is 1.4 kilometers long and leads through fields, meadows and woodland from Christiansfeld to nearby Christinero.

Christines Sti crosses two streams and passes underneath the bypass road “Omfartsvejen”. Another route runs through Smedeholm Forest from Christinero to the old vicarage in Tyrstrup.

The protected Bullade is located at the old vicarage in Tyrstrup. It was built in 1668 and still stands in its original location. Thus, the routes outside the town offer further tangible evidence of the region’s history.

If you would like to include cycling in your daily plans, the Christiansfeldruten offers a clearly described route: It is 25 kilometers long, crosses National Cycle Route 8, the Østersøruten, and consists of 60 percent asphalt and 40 percent gravel.

Local Flavors and Practical Information

Part of the local character is Xocolatl, the Moravian Church’s gingerbread bakery in Christiansfeld, which dates back to 1783. Xocolatl produces the original Christiansfeld gingerbread every day and also makes chocolate products.

There are free parking facilities throughout Christiansfeld for those arriving by car. Bus parking is not permitted in the UNESCO site of Christiansfeld.

More destinations: Lejrskov, Bjert, Almind, Bjert Strand, Lunderskov, Grønninghoved Strand, Frørup.

To the overarching travel overview: Kolding Municipality.

More About the Destination

Relevant information for planning your trip:

Christiansfeld.